CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 2 - 14

CFI NEWS
PASS RATES ON PILOT PRACTICAL TESTS TREND DOWN
The pass rates on practical tests for the initial issuing of pilot certificates, specifically
private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor certificates, went down in 2022 for
the first time in the past few years. And it went down on all three certificates, noted officials
with the Flight School Association of North America. Learn more.
FAA SAYS DON'T MUTE TAWS ALERTS
The FAA sent a notice to pilots warning them not to disable terrain avoidance and
warning systems (TAWS) aural alerts as the tool can be a critical safety feature
in avoiding controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. The FAA's warning
came as part of an Information for Operators (InFO)-a notice designed to help
operators meet certain administrative or regulatory requirements with a low
sense of urgency or impact on safety. Read more.
NTSB RELEASES ALERT ON CIRCLING APPROACH RISKS
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a safety alert advising on the
risks and preparation necessary to perform circling instrument approach procedures.
Read more.
'EXCEPT WHEN NECESSARY'
Trent Palmer's attorney said he is not optimistic the NTSB will reconsider (as requested)
its March 30 decision rejecting Palmer's argument that he was following FAA guidance
when he flew low over private property in Reno, Nevada, on November 24, 2019, to assess a
potential landing site in a friend's backyard. Read more.
INDIANA AVIATION HALL OF FAME NAMES CLASS OF 2023
The Hall of Fame honors " outstanding individuals who made significant, enduring
contributions to the history of aviation and aerospace in Indiana, the nation, or the world
through achievement, leadership, exceptional service, innovation, or entrepreneurial
spirit, " according to officials. Learn more.
FAA REPORTS LOW ATTRITION FOLLOWING PSI FEE CHANGES
The FAA responded just over a month after AOPA joined other industry advocates asking
the agency to intervene to stem the loss of testing centers now being reimbursed at
lower rates by PSI, the sole contractor. The FAA advised that the actual reduction in test
availability to date has been less than the typical attrition rate. Learn more.
SPAR INSPECTION RESULTS RAISE FAA CONCERN
The FAA pushed back on commenters seeking to reduce the scope of an airworthiness
directive to inspect wing spar components on certain Cessna 210 and 177 models, citing
the results of inspections performed to date. Read more.
FAA EASING AEROMEDICAL RULES FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
The FAA is revising its certification procedures and rules to make it easier for pilots
grounded by mental health issues to regain their licenses and encourage those needing
help to get it, federal air surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup said recently at the Business Aviation
Safety Summit in New Orleans. Read more.
PILOT MOMS SAY YOU 'CAN' HAVE IT ALL AT WOMEN IN AVIATION PANEL
With plans to graduate in December, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Flight
student Caroline Schmid is looking forward to launching her career as a cargo pilot
- as well as following in the footsteps of her mom and fellow Eagle alumna, Maura
Schmid ('84), who has flown for UPS the past 34 years. Narrowing the gender gap
has become a priority for many aviation firms today, making the path to a successful
career smoother for upcoming pilots like Caroline. Read more.

https://generalaviationnews.com/2023/05/10/indiana-aviation-hall-of-fame-names-class-of-2023/ https://generalaviationnews.com/2023/05/02/pass-rates-on-pilot-practical-tests-trend-down/ https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/april/20/faa-reports-low-attrition-following-psi-fee-changes https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/dont-mute-taws-alerts-says-faa/ https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/february/16/spar-inspection-results-raise-faa-concern https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-03-27/ntsb-releases-alert-circling-approach-risks https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/may/18/faa-easing-mental-health-barriers-for-pilots https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/april/19/trent-palmer-battles-faa-over-word-necessary https://news.erau.edu/headlines/pilot-moms-say-you-can-have-it-all-at-women-in-aviation-panel

CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 2